Pre-game notes: Orioles at Angels

Dan ConnollyThe Baltimore Sun

Left fielder Nolan Reimold is not in the starting lineup again today – as is expected because of neck spasms. Orioles manager Buck Showaltersaid Reimold is improving and hopefully will be ready to play after Monday’s off day.

Nick Johnson, who is in an 0-for-23 skid to start his Orioles career, was not in the starting lineup. Showalter said he’s not worried about the veteran, but Johnson admits this isn’t easy.

“I have had a couple other ones, but not to start the year. So yeah, it’s tough,” Johnson said. “You want to contribute. You want to get on base, and score runs. So it’s tough, but I have to keep working.”

Johnson has the longest hitless streak this season by far – the closest is Tampa Bay’s Stephen Vogt, who was 0-for-12 before being sent to the minors.

Johnson is closing on the longest hitless streak to start an Orioles career by a position player. Ron Hansen was hitless in his first 25 at-bats from April 1958 until April 1960. The overall Orioles record is held by pitcher Wes Stock, who was hitless in his first 36 Orioles at-bats from April 23, 1959 until June 13, 1964.